Living with chronic kidney disease in Vietnam requires more than finding a hospital when something goes wrong. People with advanced kidney disease often need regular blood tests, medication reviews, blood pressure management, dietary guidance and reliable access to nephrology services. For those receiving dialysis, continuity becomes even more important because treatment usually follows a fixed schedule.
Vietnam has nephrology and dialysis services in major cities, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. Large public hospitals and some private international hospitals provide kidney care, while the exact availability of dialysis techniques, English-language support, appointment systems and insurance arrangements varies by facility.
If you are moving to Vietnam, spending several months in the country or travelling while receiving dialysis, arrange care before you arrive whenever possible. Missing dialysis sessions or making significant changes to a kidney treatment plan without medical supervision can be dangerous.
Kidney disease in Vietnam
Kidney disease includes both acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease, usually abbreviated as AKI and CKD.
Acute kidney injury develops over hours or days and can sometimes be reversed when the underlying cause is treated promptly. Chronic kidney disease develops over a longer period and can gradually reduce kidney function.
WHO notes that CKD is often silent until relatively advanced stages. This means people can have substantially reduced kidney function without obvious symptoms.
Common risk factors include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Glomerular diseases
- Some inherited kidney conditions
- Certain medications or toxins
- Previous episodes of acute kidney injury
Diabetes and hypertension are particularly important because both are common chronic conditions and major contributors to kidney disease worldwide.
How chronic kidney disease is monitored
Kidney care usually involves more than checking a single creatinine result.
A nephrologist or other treating doctor may monitor:
- Serum creatinine
- Estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR
- Urine albumin or protein
- Blood pressure
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Bicarbonate
- Calcium and phosphate
- Haemoglobin
- Iron status
- Blood glucose when relevant
The exact tests and frequency depend on the stage of CKD, medications and other medical conditions.
WHO identifies serum creatinine and urine albumin testing as simple tools that can help detect chronic kidney disease in primary healthcare.
When is dialysis needed?
Dialysis is used when kidney function is no longer sufficient to safely remove waste products and excess fluid or maintain important chemical balances in the body.
It is not started simply because an eGFR reaches one particular number. The decision takes into account symptoms, laboratory abnormalities, fluid overload and the person's overall clinical condition.
Kidney failure can be treated with:
- Hemodialysis
- Peritoneal dialysis
- Kidney transplantation
- Conservative kidney management in selected patients when dialysis or transplantation is not appropriate or desired
A nephrologist should guide decisions about renal replacement therapy.
Hemodialysis in Vietnam
Hemodialysis is available in major Vietnamese hospitals and specialised dialysis units.
During hemodialysis, blood passes through a dialyzer that removes excess fluid, waste products and some minerals before the blood is returned to the body.
Patients receiving chronic hemodialysis commonly attend treatment several times per week, but the exact schedule, duration and dialysis prescription are individualised.
Do not assume that a centre in Vietnam will automatically use the same equipment, dialyzer, schedule or protocols as your current dialysis unit.
Before transferring care, ask whether the facility can follow your existing prescription or whether its nephrologist needs to establish a new local treatment plan.
Where can you receive dialysis in Vietnam?
Dialysis is most readily available in larger urban areas and regional hospitals.
Hanoi has several major nephrology centres, including large public teaching hospitals and private hospitals with dialysis departments. People planning treatment in the capital can compare hospitals in Hanoi.
Ho Chi Minh City also has a large concentration of tertiary hospitals and private healthcare facilities. See hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City when planning long-term specialist care.
For central Vietnam, hospitals in Da Nang can provide a starting point for identifying facilities with the appropriate specialty.
Always contact a hospital directly before relying on it for dialysis. A hospital being listed as a general hospital does not automatically mean it has an available dialysis slot for a visiting patient.
Public versus private dialysis care
Both public and private hospitals provide kidney services in Vietnam.
Large public hospitals may have substantial experience with nephrology, kidney failure and complex medical cases. They may also be considerably cheaper than premium private facilities.
However, international patients can encounter:
- Crowded departments
- Longer waiting times
- More complicated registration
- Less predictable English-language support
Private and international hospitals may offer easier appointment booking, English-speaking coordinators and more familiar administrative processes for foreigners, but fees can be higher.
Neither model is automatically better. Dialysis patients should prioritise nephrology expertise, reliable scheduling, infection-control procedures, emergency support and the ability to continue an appropriate dialysis prescription.
For more context on public and private care, see How Does Vietnam's Healthcare System Work?.
What information should you send to a dialysis centre before travelling?
A dialysis facility may ask for recent medical information before accepting a visiting patient.
Useful documents can include:
- Current dialysis prescription
- Dialysis schedule
- Recent blood test results
- Current dry or target weight
- Type of vascular access
- Medication list
- Relevant medical conditions
- Allergies
- Recent hospital reports
- Contact details for your usual nephrologist or dialysis centre
The receiving facility may request additional tests, including infectious disease screening, according to its own policies.
Do not assume that sending records a few days before arrival will be enough. International dialysis arrangements are best organised well in advance.
Protecting your vascular access
For people receiving hemodialysis, vascular access is a critical part of treatment.
Common types include:
- Arteriovenous fistula
- Arteriovenous graft
- Central venous dialysis catheter
Follow the access-care instructions provided by your dialysis team.
With a fistula or graft, patients are commonly advised to avoid unnecessary blood pressure measurements, blood draws or compression on the access arm unless a healthcare professional specifically determines otherwise.
Contact your dialysis team promptly if you notice symptoms such as:
- Redness
- Increasing pain
- Swelling
- Drainage
- Fever
- Bleeding that is difficult to stop
- A major change in the usual vibration or thrill of a fistula
An infected or malfunctioning dialysis access can become urgent.
Peritoneal dialysis in Vietnam
Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen as a natural membrane to remove waste and excess fluid.
For someone already established on peritoneal dialysis, travelling can potentially offer more flexibility than attending an external hemodialysis centre several times each week.
However, the practical challenge is ensuring access to the correct dialysis solutions, consumables and technical support.
Do not assume your usual dialysis fluid brand or equipment will be readily available everywhere in Vietnam.
Before relocating or travelling, discuss:
- Supply delivery
- Storage requirements
- Backup supplies
- Equipment compatibility
- Local nephrology support
- What to do if peritonitis is suspected
Cloudy dialysis fluid, abdominal pain, fever or other symptoms suggesting peritonitis should be assessed promptly.
Do not miss dialysis sessions while travelling
Travel plans should be built around dialysis, not the other way around.
Missing treatment can allow excess fluid, potassium and metabolic waste to accumulate.
Potential consequences can include:
- Shortness of breath
- Dangerous electrolyte abnormalities
- Severe swelling
- High blood pressure
- Cardiac rhythm problems
- Confusion
- Emergency hospitalisation
If a planned dialysis session becomes unavailable because of transport problems, illness or another unexpected event, contact your dialysis unit immediately rather than simply waiting until the next scheduled session.
Medication continuity is also important
People with chronic kidney disease often take several medicines.
These may include treatment for:
- Blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Anemia
- Mineral and bone disorders
- High potassium
- Cardiovascular disease
- Fluid control
Do not change doses because a different brand is available in Vietnam without discussing the substitution with a doctor or pharmacist.
Kidney function affects how some medicines are eliminated from the body, meaning normal doses used in people with healthy kidneys may not always be appropriate in advanced CKD.
Be cautious with over-the-counter medicines
People with kidney disease should be particularly careful with self-medication.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, commonly called NSAIDs, can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and may worsen kidney function in susceptible patients.
Examples include medicines containing ibuprofen, naproxen or diclofenac.
This does not mean that every person with kidney disease can never receive an NSAID, but the decision should be made with appropriate medical advice.
Herbal remedies and supplements also deserve caution. Products marketed as natural can contain biologically active substances, uncertain doses or ingredients that affect kidney function or electrolyte balance.
Fluid intake is individualised in kidney disease
General health advice often tells people to drink more water, but this can be inappropriate for someone with advanced kidney disease or dialysis-dependent kidney failure.
Some patients need to limit fluid intake because their kidneys can no longer remove water effectively.
Fluid recommendations depend on factors such as:
- Remaining urine output
- Dialysis schedule
- Swelling
- Blood pressure
- Heart function
- Sodium intake
Follow your nephrologist's or dialysis team's individual fluid target rather than generic hydration advice.
This becomes especially important in Vietnam's hot climate, where sweating and heat exposure can complicate fluid management.
Diet and dialysis in Vietnam
Kidney diets are individualised.
Depending on kidney function and laboratory results, patients may need to monitor their intake of:
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Fluid
- Protein
Someone on dialysis may have different protein requirements from someone with earlier-stage CKD.
Vietnamese cuisine includes many foods that can fit into a kidney-conscious diet, but sauces, broths and processed seasonings can be high in sodium.
Patients with potassium restrictions may also need to consider portion sizes and food choices rather than assuming all fruit, vegetables or tropical foods are automatically suitable.
A renal dietitian can provide advice based on current laboratory results rather than relying on generic online restriction lists.
Managing diabetes and blood pressure
Good control of diabetes and hypertension is an important part of long-term kidney care.
WHO identifies both conditions as major contributors to chronic kidney disease.
For someone settling in Vietnam, continuity should therefore include not just nephrology appointments but also reliable access to:
- Blood pressure medication
- Diabetes medication
- Glucose monitoring supplies when needed
- Regular laboratory testing
- Primary or internal medicine follow-up
Kidney disease should be managed as part of the patient's overall cardiovascular and metabolic health.
What if you develop diarrhea or dehydration?
Acute illnesses can be more significant for people with CKD.
Vomiting, diarrhea, fever and dehydration can reduce circulating blood volume and contribute to acute kidney injury. At the same time, a dialysis patient may have specific restrictions on how much fluid can safely be consumed.
Do not automatically apply standard advice to drink very large amounts of water if you have advanced kidney disease.
Contact your medical team when gastrointestinal illness is significant, especially if you cannot keep medicines down, blood pressure is falling or urine output changes substantially.
What if you need emergency treatment?
Seek urgent medical assessment for symptoms such as:
- Severe shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Loss of consciousness
- Significant confusion
- Severe weakness
- Persistent vomiting
- Major bleeding from dialysis access
- Signs of severe infection
- Rapidly worsening swelling
- Severe breathing difficulty between dialysis sessions
Patients with a dialysis catheter should also seek prompt care for fever, chills or signs of infection around the catheter site.
Vietnam's medical emergency number is 115.
In an emergency, the nearest appropriate hospital is more important than travelling across the city to reach a preferred dialysis centre.
Health insurance and dialysis in Vietnam
Dialysis can become expensive when treatment is required several times each week, particularly for patients paying international private-hospital rates.
Before moving to Vietnam, check whether your health insurance covers:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Pre-existing conditions
- Routine hemodialysis
- Peritoneal dialysis supplies
- Nephrology consultations
- Laboratory tests
- Emergency admissions
- Dialysis-related complications
Many travel insurance policies are designed primarily for unexpected illness or injury and may exclude routine treatment for known chronic diseases.
International residents should therefore read policy exclusions carefully. Vietnam Clinic's guide to health insurance for foreigners in Vietnam explains the broader insurance options and costs.
Moving to Vietnam with chronic kidney disease
Someone with stable early-stage CKD may need only periodic nephrology reviews and laboratory testing.
Moving with dialysis-dependent kidney failure requires much more preparation.
Before relocating, consider arranging:
- A nephrologist in your destination city.
- A confirmed dialysis facility if you receive hemodialysis.
- Written confirmation of available treatment slots.
- Transfer of medical records.
- A supply plan for medicines.
- Insurance or a realistic self-pay budget.
- A plan for emergency hospital care.
- Local access to the required laboratory tests.
Do not permanently relocate on the assumption that dialysis can be arranged after arrival.
Travelling within Vietnam while on dialysis
Vietnam is geographically long, and travel between regions can involve flights, overnight trains or long road journeys.
A dialysis schedule may therefore limit how spontaneously someone can move between destinations.
If you plan to travel from Hanoi to Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City, for example, either schedule the trip between treatments with approval from your dialysis team or arrange dialysis at the destination in advance.
Carry essential medical information with you, ideally in English as well as any locally useful documentation.
Choosing a nephrology or dialysis facility
When comparing facilities, useful questions include:
- Is a nephrologist responsible for dialysis care?
- Can the centre accept temporary or long-term international patients?
- Which types of dialysis are available?
- Can it follow my existing prescription?
- What laboratory monitoring is available?
- Is emergency support available onsite?
- What infection screening is required?
- Is English-language support available?
- How much does each session cost?
- Does the hospital offer direct insurance billing?
Services and availability can change, so verify these points directly before committing to a facility.
What records should you keep with you?
Patients with complex kidney disease benefit from keeping a concise medical summary accessible.
Useful information includes:
- Diagnosis
- CKD stage
- Recent creatinine and eGFR
- Dialysis prescription if applicable
- Target weight
- Vascular access type
- Current medications
- Allergies
- Relevant cardiac conditions
- Recent laboratory results
- Contact information for your kidney specialist
Keeping digital copies can be useful when moving between Vietnamese hospitals.
Can chronic kidney disease be managed long term in Vietnam?
Yes, many patients can receive ongoing CKD monitoring and dialysis in Vietnam, particularly in major cities where specialist nephrology services are available.
The main issue is continuity. Chronic kidney disease management depends on repeated follow-up rather than isolated consultations, and dialysis requires especially reliable scheduling.
For international residents, planning should include the medical provider, medication supply, insurance, language needs and emergency backup arrangements.
What to remember about kidney disease and dialysis in Vietnam
Vietnam has established nephrology and dialysis services in major urban centres, including public tertiary hospitals and private hospitals serving international patients.
People with stable CKD should maintain regular kidney-function monitoring, blood pressure management and medication review. Those receiving dialysis need a much more structured plan that includes confirmed treatment slots, transfer of their dialysis prescription, recent medical records and emergency support.
Do not skip dialysis sessions, dramatically change fluid intake or adjust kidney-related medication without medical guidance. If you are planning a long stay or relocation to Vietnam, establish nephrology and dialysis care before arrival whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dialysis available in Vietnam?
Yes. Hemodialysis is available at major hospitals and dialysis centres in cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. Availability for visiting or long-term international patients should be confirmed directly before arrival.
Can foreigners receive dialysis in Vietnam?
Yes, some Vietnamese hospitals accept foreign dialysis patients. Patients usually need to provide medical records and their current dialysis prescription, and the receiving hospital may require additional laboratory or infection-screening information.
Can I move to Vietnam if I need dialysis three times a week?
Potentially, but dialysis should be arranged before relocating. Confirm that a suitable centre can provide your required schedule, understand the costs, transfer your medical records and establish a local nephrologist before making the move.
Is peritoneal dialysis available in Vietnam?
Peritoneal dialysis is used in Vietnam, but access to specific solutions, equipment and support can vary. Patients should confirm supply arrangements and local nephrology support before travelling or relocating.
How do I choose a dialysis centre in Vietnam?
Consider nephrology oversight, ability to follow your dialysis prescription, infection-control procedures, emergency support, available treatment slots, language support, costs and insurance arrangements.
Can people with kidney disease take ibuprofen in Vietnam?
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can worsen kidney function in some people with CKD. Patients with kidney disease should ask a doctor or pharmacist whether an NSAID is appropriate rather than self-treating routinely.
When should a dialysis patient go to hospital urgently?
Urgent assessment is appropriate for severe shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, loss of consciousness, major dialysis-access bleeding, severe infection symptoms, rapidly worsening swelling or significant illness between dialysis sessions.
Sources
Writer
Tan Nguyen
Medical writer for Vietnam Clinic. MD, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City.
